There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book, and for those who are looking for reads that make you laugh, cry, and think, you can’t go past reading memoirs.
August 31st marks We Love Memoirs day, which aims to bring attention to the art of storytelling that observes a poignant moment in one’s life through a collection of memories – whether that be through poetry, photos, drawings or simply writing.
In honour of the annual event, we’ve rounded up some must-read Australian memoirs that you won’t be able to put down.
Growing Up Aboriginal In Australia by Anita Heiss
This anthology, compiled by award-winning author Anita Heiss, showcases many diverse voices, experiences and stories in order to answer the question “What is it like to grow up Aboriginal in Australia?”
Accounts from well-known authors and high-profile identities sit alongside those from newly discovered writers of all ages, with each speaking from the heart – sometimes calling for empathy, oftentimes challenging stereotypes, but always demanding respect.
Working Class Boy by Jimmy Barnes
Raw, gritty, compassionate, surprising and darkly funny – Jimmy Barnes’ childhood memoir is at once the story of migrant dreams fulfilled and dashed.
Wokrign Class Boy is a powerful reflection on a traumatic and violent childhood, which fuelled the excess and recklessness that would define, but almost destroy, the rock’n’roll legend.
Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington
This extraordinary story of courage and faith is based on the actual experiences of three girls who fled from the repressive life of Moore River Native Settlement, following along the rabbit-proof fence back to their homelands.
If you’ve only ever watched the film that was based on this memoir, you need to add this one to your reading list ASAP.
Growing Up Asian in Australia by Alice Pung
Asian-Australians have often been written about by outsiders, as outsiders. In this collection, compiled by award-winning author Alice Pung, they tell their own stories with verve, courage and a large dose of humour.
28: A memoir of football, addiction, art, masculinity and love by Brandon Jack
This is a unique and darkly poetic fly-on-the-wall account of a world that is usually shown in bright lights.
Filled with relentlessly driven diary entries, vivid details of life at the fringe, and memories of binge-drinking into oblivion as an escape during his playing days at the Sydney Swans, 28 is a portrayal of the sporting psyche in a way that has never been done before.
Roots by SBS Emerging Writers Competiton
Roots brings us thirty of the best short memoirs chosen from more than 2000 entries in the inaugural SBS Emerging Writers’ Competition.
Offering a snapshot of contemporary Australia, this diverse collection of stories explores love, family, loss, culture, sexual awakening and the abiding connections to people and place that make us who we are.
Power Play: Breaking Through Bias, Barriers and Boys’ Clubs by Julia Banks
Power Play reveals the unvarnished realities of any workplace where power disparities and gender politics collide: from the unequal opportunities, casual sexism and systemic misogyny, to pressures around looks, age and family responsibilities, and the consequences of speaking out.
Last Shot by Jock Zonfrillo
A coming-of-age memoir of addiction, ambition, and redemption in the high-stakes world of Michelin star kitchens.
From reckless drug addict to one of Australia’s top chefs and television stars: MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo’s powerful life story will shock and inspire.
